Disrespectful or healing? Sajal Aly, Adnan Siddiqui lock horns over National Anthem renditions

Adnan wondered if Pakistan's constitution permits improvision under the guise of creativity


Entertainment Desk November 26, 2022

The coveted Lux Style Awards (LSAs) this year began with Abdul Wahab Bugti and Shehzad Roy performing a rendition of the national anthem. In response, Adnan Siddiqui took to social media to voice his concerns over the performance, terming it as "disrespectful."

Taking to Instagram, the Meray Paas Tum Ho actor wrote a lengthy message for his followers, questioning the extent of "creative liberties" one can take while rendering the national anthem. He said, "Is it appropriate to take creative liberties with our National Anthem, which was composed to instil in our patriotism and remind us of our nation's glory?" Siddiqui also asked fans if the "constitution permits anyone to improvise the tarana in the guise of creativity." He further highlighted that only the "original rendition" of the national anthem is played at "matches, tournaments, and other state functions."

In the end, the Sammi actor took a dig at the Lux Style Awards 2022 by taunting the performers who "fiddled" with a "national symbol" and faced no repercussions from people. "At a famous award show, artists, however, fiddle with the national symbol and possibly get away with it too. Personally, I find 'remix' of the tarana disrespectful," commented Siddiqui followed by a hashtag that read, "respect national symbols."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Adnan Siddiqui (@adnansid1)

Shortly after Siddiqui's post went viral, his Mom co-star Sajal Aly chimed in on the ongoing discussion to put forth a different point of view. The Yaqeen Ka Safar actor posted a series of Instagram Stories highlighting how the "rendition" of the national anthem is "inclusive of historically marginalised groups" and a far more patriotic act as it displays the idea of unity and love.

"Pakistan's diversity makes it beautiful. A rendition of the national anthem that is inclusive of historically marginalised groups is far more patriotic than imposing a rigid and unitary idea of how to show love for our country and its people," wrote Aly. The Ye Dil Mera actor further applauded the LSA's version of the national anthem and expressed how she found it "healing."

Defending the artists who performed at the LSA, Aly stated, "Roy and Bugti broke no law. Their rendition reflected the values of our constitution and remained true to the original anthem."

In response to Aly's statement, Siddiqui asserted that a set protocol is followed in the case of national symbols. "This protocol is to be followed for national symbols, the respect accorded to them much so that the first alphabets of the national anthem are in upper case," noted Siddiqui. The Dum Mastam actor again lamented the integrity of national symbols and the limit to which they can be altered to "celebrate diversity."

He said, "What next, because we are creative and should celebrate diversity? Hoist the National Flag upside down and design our own version of the emblem?" Siddiqui concluded the discussion by clarifying how he has not mentioned any artist names in his original post, therefore Aly should not "stroke" up any “unnecessary controversy."

Actors Aijaz Aslam and Farhan Saeed decided to present their own thoughts on the matter. The prior argued that Siddiqui has a valid point because what he actually means is, "[Do] not try to fix something that is already perfect." He added, "Samajh tou gaye hongay aap sab (I'm sure you all understand by now)."

Saeed, albeit, felt the opposite. Taking to his Instagram Story, he implored, “Adnan Siddiqui, I really respect you and know that you never do anything which in anyway is to hurt someone or just to gain points. You probably felt it. But Khuda ka Wasta [for God’s sake], the last thing we want is to add another thing in ‘not to do’ lists of Pakistan. This is beautiful, enjoy it."

What are your thoughts?


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